Head coach Tom Tierney says his squad for next month’s Women’s Rugby World Cup is better prepared than for any previous campaign.
Tierney has named a 28-strong party for the tournament, which kicks off in Dublin on Wednesday, August 9.
Captain Niamh Briggs, Claire Molloy, Marie-Louise Reilly and Nora Stapleton will all compete at their third World Cup but Tierney is expecting strong competition from all his players, including uncapped scrum-half Nicole Cronin.
“We have named players who have been here before and are aware of the challenge that lies ahead,” said the Ireland boss.
“There are a number of players in the squad for whom this will be their first-ever World Cup and I am extremely confident they will compete for starting positions throughout the campaign.
“The players have been training consistently over past months and we have had a preparation that is far more comprehensive than previous campaigns.
“The anticipation and excitement has been building steadily amongst the players and the program has provided us every opportunity, so it is now up to us to put our best foot forward during this campaign.
“The opportunity to play in a World Cup on home soil is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“While we are in a tough pool with Australia, Japan and our Six Nations rivals France, I am sure the players will rise to the occasion in front of their home fans.”
Ireland’s campaign begins against Australia at the UCD Bowl on the opening day of the tournament, and they also face Japan and France in Pool C.
Ireland Women’s squad for the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup
Forwards: Ashleigh Baxter (Cooke/Ulster); Anna Caplice (UL Bohemian/Munster); Ciara Cooney (Railway Union/Leinster); Ailis Egan (Old Belvedere/Leinster); Paula Fitzpatrick (St. Mary’s College RFC/Leinster); Ciara Griffin (UL Bohemian/Munster); Leah Lyons (Highfield/Munster); Claire Molloy (Bristol/Connacht); Cliodhna Moloney (Railway Union/Leinster); Heather O’Brien (Highfield/Munster); Ciara O’Connor (Galwegians/Connacht); Ruth O’Reilly (Galwegians/Connacht); Lindsay Peat (Railway Union/Leinster); Marie-Louise Reilly (Old Belvedere/Leinster); Sophie Spence (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
Backs: Niamh Briggs (Captain, UL Bohemian/Munster); Eimear Considine (UL Bohemian/Munster); Mairead Coyne (Galwegians/Connacht); Nicole Cronin (UL Bohemian/Munster); Jeamie Deacon (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster); Katie Fitzhenry (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster); Claire McLaughlin (Cooke/Ulster); Alison Miller (Old Belvedere/Connacht); Larissa Muldoon (Railway Union); Jenny Murphy (Old Belvedere/Leinster); Sene Naoupu (Harlequins FC); Nora Stapleton (Old Belvedere/Leinster); Hannah Tyrrell (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
